Internacional - Delfin predictions and free betting tips [09/06/2024]

On Sunday, 9 June Internacional will host Delfín in a rescheduled match of the sixth round of the Copa Sudamericana. Both teams have eight points each and share the second and third spots in the standings. Thus, the outcome of this head-to-head encounter will decide who advances to the playoffs.

Internacional

Last Wednesday, Internacional comfortably defeated Real Tomayapo 2-0 in the fifth round of the Copa Sudamericana. Bruno Gomes put the red and whites ahead in the 31st minute, and former Eintracht player Lucas Alario doubled the lead at the very end. Earlier, Eduardo Coudet's team secured three points against Cuiabá (1-0) in their first Brazilian Serie A match after a month-long break, thanks to Hugo Mallo's second-half strike. Internacional has garnered two wins, two draws from five Copa Sudamericana matches, earning eight points to sit third in Group C, level on points with Delfín. After two consecutive away wins, the hosts aim to delight their home crowd, having won only one of their last five home games. 

It's noteworthy that the team has been prolific in attack, scoring at least once in their last five games across all competitions. However, Internacional remains without their first-choice goalkeeper Ivan, who continues his recovery from an ACL injury suffered in January. Additionally, 29-year-old striker Wanderson has missed the last five games due to an ankle injury sustained in April against Atlético Paranaense. Forward Luca also missed the recent match against Cuiabá due to injury, and the 21-year-old is doubtful for Sunday night. Gipran and Mauricio will orchestrate the midfield, while Reges and Gomes will form the central defensive pair.

Delfín

Delfín, meanwhile, secured three points in their last Copa Sudamericana match, defeating Real Tomayapo 4-3. Despite trailing 3-2 at halftime, Mariano Mina and José Angulo scored quick second-half goals to turn the game on its head. The team started with a 2-0 win over the same Tomayapo on 5 April but then earned only two points from the next three games. Last Friday, "El Ídolo de Manta" edged out Cumbayá 1-0 in the Ecuadorian Serie A, where they currently sit 15th in the standings. It's important to note that the yellow and blues have failed to win any of their last five away matches in all competitions, losing four and drawing once. 

The coaching staff is particularly concerned about the team's lack of goals, having failed to score in three of their last five matches across all competitions. Erik Zuniga suffered an injury against Cumbayá, and the 21-year-old forward is questionable for the upcoming continental clash. Experienced forward Yostin Alman is expected to lead the attack, teaming up with Marcos Mejía and on-loan Independiente player Nicolás Messiniti. Bellolio is likely to don the goalkeeper's gloves, while the central defensive trio will be Elordi, Garillo Goitea, and Cuero. Creativity in midfield will come from Humanate and Mieles.

Head-to-Head

The first-round meeting ended in a 2-1 victory for Internacional, marking their first encounter ever.

Match Prediction: Internacional vs. Delfín

Both teams will give their all in this final round as the playoff spot is at stake. Internacional's home advantage provides an additional edge, making it reasonable to bet on a victory for the red and whites with a -1.5 handicap. Clearly, the Brazilian club has far more experience in continental competitions and a robust squad.